The Stanislaus County proposed 2013-2014 budget sees an increase in both state and federal funding for county projects and revenue. The budget, which is set to be finalized in September, totals $1 billion in appropriations and $990 million in revenue - an increase over last year's budget of $984 million in appropriations and $930 million in revenue.

Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock will lead a Congressional subcommittee hearing on Tuesday on the accountability of funds provided to the state's high speed rail project. Denham, who leads the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials will be inviting half a dozen witnesses to the hearing.

The move to revamp the city's collection rates for water services gained momentum Tuesday night when the Turlock City Council approved by a narrow margin to hire a consulting firm to conduct a water rate study.

The House Agriculture Committee approved the $940 billion farm bill on Wednesday, which will bring some relief to frustrated California growers. Working late into Wednesday night, the House passed the 576 page draft, with a 36-10 vote.

The Turlock City Council received four budgetary plans for the upcoming fiscal year, including one with a dire scenario of massive cuts to public safety and another with deficit spending of more than $3.4 million.

Bigger may not be better according to the Turlock Planning Commission. After two months of back and forth with Planning and city staff, Main Street businesses and developer Reed Onate will be able to move forward with building a multi-tenant freeway sign - albeit at a smaller scale than the original plans.